What Would You Do With an Extra $250?

January 31, 2019 | Tracy Randle and Rushka Tcholakova

For nearly 43 percent of households in the greater Capital Region, making ends meet is a constant battle. You can help put $250 back in their pockets in one simple way: Direct them to contact the nearest free tax preparation site by dialing 2-1-1 (then pressing option “3,” and then “6”). It’s estimated that $250 is the average cost of preparing a tax return, but it could also be the family’s monthly allocation for food.

Free tax preparation services are available through the IRS-designated Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program with sites throughout Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Saratoga, Columbia, and Greene counties. To qualify, individuals and families need to have earned less than $55,000 for calendar year 2018. Consumers who earned less than $66,000 and wish to complete their own taxes online can visit www.myfreetaxes.com.

Join us in helping spread the word about free tax preparation to your staff, board, clients, and community at large.

Free Quality Tax Preparation

Opening date to accept appointment calls: Jan. 14, 2019

First day to free file: Jan. 28, 2019 (tentative)

The Internal Revenue Service will issue refunds to taxpayers even if the U.S. government shutdown extends into the filing season.

Who is eligible? Families and individuals earning up to $55,000, or $66,000 if completing online using www.myfreetaxes.com.